USDOT Issues Accessibility Guidelines for Transit Stations

A new rule aims to clarify accessibility requirements to help state and local DOTs upgrade their facilities more quickly to meet ADA standards.

1 minute read

December 23, 2024, 8:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Man in wheelchair in designated area on public bus.

24K-Production / Adobe Stock

The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued finalized guidelines for accessibility on public transit, reports Dan Zukowski in Smart Cities Dive.

According to the article, “The rule applies only to new or rebuilt public transit stops and shelters in the public right-of-way, including boarding areas, pedestrian access paths, fare vending machines and signage.”

The rule aims to create a set of uniform guidelines to help state and local DOTs understand accessibility needs and how to implement changes. “The 2021 infrastructure law made $1.75 billion available to state and local governments to help fund projects that repair, modify or retrofit public transportation rail stations for accessibility. In addition, DOT recently worked with Amtrak to increase accessibility at some of its train stations.”

Recently, USDOT has also issued recommendations for making electric vehicle charging stations accessible and improving accessibility on airplanes.

Friday, December 20, 2024 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 23, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of gold-covered New Jersey state capitol dome in Trenton, New Jersey at dusk.

New Jersey Lawsuit Targets Rent-Setting Algorithms

The state of New Jersey is taking legal action against landlords and companies that engage in what the state’s Attorney General alleges is illegal rent fixing.

30 minutes ago - New Jersey Monitor

View of Washington state capitol dome in Olympia, Washington at golden hour.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap

A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

April 29 - Washington State Standard

Low view of Glendale Narrows section of Los Angeles River with concrete bottom and cloudy storm sky over head.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience

Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

April 29 - The Planning Report